Dr. Michael Wesch "Keynote and Follow-Up"


Dr. Wesch outlined what he called a “purpose driven” course.
The elements (and their sequence) are:
1. Explore the topic
Activate prior knowledge and raise interest.
2. Formulate one or more essential questions
Include relevance here.
3. Teach through direct instruction
Teach the essentials. (Only what’s needed so the students have background knowledge.)
4. Allow for self-guided research
Model, model, model how to do it.
5. Publish to an authentic audience
Motivate and raise the bar by “publishing” to another class, parents, or put on the internet (podcast, video.)

Simple, yet a great model to follow!


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Lucy Gray "Going Global: Preparing Students to be Citizens of the World"


Suggested reading:
The World is Flat - Thomas L. Friedman
Whole New Mind - Daniel H. Pink
The Global Achievement Gap - Tony Wagner

Lucy Grey emphasized the need to “Go Global.”

Su Senso outlined her session thoroughly on her wiki page.

Perhaps a good starting place would be with ePals. At the conference, Lt. Governor Lawton announced the Wisconsin Connects Initiative; a partnership with ePals designed to connect Wisconsin students with classrooms in more than 200 countries. (http://www.ltgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=126&prid=4047)

Last comment: If you haven’t seen it, be sure to watch “Dance.”
(# YouTube--Dance by Matt Harding)
It will remind you that we are all truly connected.

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Joanne Cantor “This is Your Mind on Media: Staying Sane in a Crazy Culture”


Joanne reminded us that in this world of technology we should occasionally “disconnect.” Through her studies, she has discovered that “scary” movies can affect your responses to certain situations for the rest of your life. Furthermore, she explained the neurophysiology of the brain and how the brain responds to media overload and cautioned us to use technology wisely.

Cantor handouts: http://www.wemtaonline.org/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi

Cantor’s session was a reminder that though technology is hip and kids love it, a balance is needed.

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